Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), highlighted the complex global landscape where humanity’s interests and intentions are intricately intertwined, particularly amidst unprecedented climate transformations. Dr. AlMalik emphasized the critical imperative of implementing policies predicated on principles of justice, equality, and equitable distribution of environmental protection funding while advocating for the exchange of innovative and successful climate action strategies and practices. Notably, Dr. AlMalik underscored the paramount significance of generating substantive, forward-looking outcomes from COP29 in Azerbaijan that genuinely reflect the international community’s collective aspirations.

Dr. AlMalik delivered these remarks on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, during a high-level COP29 meeting, convened in Baku, Azerbaijan. This pivotal three-day meeting is a continuation of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit. The gathering comprises statements from representatives of States Parties to the Convention and heads of international climate action organizations. Deliberations are strategically focused on comprehensive efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change, evaluating the progress achieved toward realizing the targets of the Paris Agreement, and exploring the potential for establishing a new collaborative funding target.

Dr. AlMalik added that as borders, environments, and atmospheres grow increasingly interconnected, environmental and climate impacts affect all members of society equally. This shared vulnerability highlights the necessity of abandoning elf-serving behaviors that prioritize narrow interests over the greater good of humanity.

In concluding, Dr. AlMalik extended heartfelt congratulations to Azerbaijan for its exceptional organization of COP29 in Baku. This pivotal global summit has convened preeminent climate action leaders and relevant institutional stakeholders, reigniting collective optimism for achieving a meaningful consensus on ambitious climate targets and the strategic pathways to their realization.